Something Fresh

The one thing that could be expected to disturb the peace of life at Blandings is the incursion of imposters. And Blandings has imposters like other houses have mice. On this occasion, there are two of them: both intent on a dangerous enterprise.

My Man Jeeves

My Man Jeeves, first published in 1919, introduced the world to affable, indolent Bertie Wooster and his precise, capable valet, Jeeves. Some of the finest examples of humorous writing found in English literature are woven around the relationship between these two men of very different classes and temperaments. Where Bertie is impetuous and feeble, Jeeves is coolheaded and poised.

The Luck of the Bodkins

Things on board the R.M.S. Atlantic are terribly, terribly complicated... Monty Bodkin loves Gertrude, who thinks he likes Lotus Blossom, a starlet, who definitely adores Ambrose, who thinks that she has a thing for his brother, Reggie, who is struck by Mabel Spence, sister-in-law of Ikey Llewellyn (movie mogul, Ambrose's prospective employer and reluctant smuggler), but hasn't the means to marry her.

Hot Water

The house-party at Chateau Blissac, Brittany features a rather odd array of guests this year. Mr. J. Wellington Gedge is hoping for some peace and quiet while his wife takes herself off for a while. She, however, has invited numerous visitors to the chateau, to whom he will have to play reluctant host. Senator Opal and his daughter are expected, and so is the chateau's handsome owner Vicomte de Blissac.

Uncle Fred in the Springtime

Uncle Fred, or to give him his full title: Fredrick Altamont Cornwallis Twistleton, fifth Earl of Ickenham, is considered by some as a "splendid gentleman, a sportsman to his fingertips". Mr Twistleton, nephew to Earl, and otherwise known as "Pongo" to his friends, has a differing view. He simply describes his uncle as "being loopy to the tonsils".

A Damsel in Distress

When Maud Marsh flings herself into George Bevan's cab in Piccadilly, he starts believing in damsels in distress. George traces his mysterious traveling companion to Belpher Castle, home of Lord Marshmoreton, where things become severely muddled. Maud's aunt, Lady Caroline Byng, wants Maud to marry Reggie, her stepson. Maud, meanwhile, is known to be in love with an unknown American she met in Wales. So when George turns up speaking American, a nasty case of mistaken identity breaks out.

Piccadilly Jim

The life of Jimmy Crocker has been little more than one drunken brawl after another. His formidable Aunt Nesta has had enough of his antics and decrees that the young Crocker must be reformed. However, Jimmy has fallen in love and decided to reform himself. Unfortunately, to win the heart of his intended, Jimmy must pretend to be someone else and take part in the kidnapping of Aunt Netsa's loathsome offspring Ogden. The reformation of oneself can be a decidedly tricky business.

Psmith in the City

Psmith and his friend Mike are sent by their fathers to work in the City. But work is the last thing on Psmith's mind; surely there are more interesting things to do with the day than spend it in a bank? Unfortunately the natives aren't conducive to his socialising within work hours, but all's fair in love and work as the monocled Old Etonian, with a little grudging help from Mike, begins to rope in allies in order to reform the bank manager and make him A Decent Member of Society.

Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves (Dramatised)

Michael Hordern stars as Jeeves, with Richard Briers as Bertie, in a BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation. It's the stuff of nightmares for Bertie as he is hauled back to Totleigh Towers and the whole loony crew of Madeline, Gussie, Roderick Spode, Stiffy Byng, and the dog Bartholomew.

Mr Mulliner Speaking

In the bar-parlour of the Angler’s Rest, Mr Mulliner tells his amazing tales, which hold the assembled company of Pints of Stout and Whiskies and Splash in the palm of his expressive hand. Here you can discover what happened to The Man Who Gave Up Smoking, share a frisson when the butler delivers Something Squishy on a silver salver (‘your serpent, Sir,’ said the voice of Simmons) – and experience the dreadful Unpleasantness at Bludleigh Court.

Jeeves: Joy in the Morning (Dramatisation)

Michael Hordern stars as Jeeves with Richard Briers as Bertie in this BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisation. The rural beauty of Steeple Bumpleigh holds no attractions for Bertie, containing (as it does) the appalling Aunt Agatha. But there is man's work to do and, with Jeeves at his side, how can Bertie fail?

Publisher's Summary

P.G. Wodehouse is hailed by many as one of, if not THE best of the British comic authors. With a devoted following and a sharp farcical wit, Wodehouse continues his famous Blandings series with lashings of all of the fantastic quirks and quips his fans love so dearly.

Galahad Threepwood is causing scandal again...this time by deciding to NOT publish his potentially humiliating high-society memoirs. His decision causes rifts in the ranks at castle Blandings, and all involved split into three camps: those who want the book suppressed, those who want it published, and those who, for some reason or another, have been sent to steal it.

A very British restrained chaos inevitably ensues, and a listener can expect a whole host of the usual confusion, blackmail, robbery, and of course, the odd bit of pig-kidnap. The Empress had better watch her back....

Veteran Wodehouse reader Martin Jarvis never fails to please, with marvellous characterisation and an obvious respect and passion for the author and his works.

What the Critics Say

"This recording does more than justice to Wodehouse's genius. Martin Jarvis is unmatched in his ability to convey humour, emotion and drama in a full cast of characters...no afternoon will be so rewardingly spent as that shared with Wodehouse and Jarvis. Quite simply a pleasure and delight from start to finish." (audiobooksreview.co.uk)

Martin Jarvis isn't always my favourite Wodehouse reader - I tend to prefer Jonathan Cecil - but I have to say that in this edition of Heavy Weather, Jarvis does a fantastic job.

He does particularly good voices for Lady Constance and Lord Emsworth, which is important because their hilarity often lies more in the tone of voice than in the actual words.

According to iTunes, I've listened to this (all 4+ hours of it) at least 6 times in the past 2 months. While I find this somewhat disconcerting (perhaps I should spend less time with my earphones), it's also a good indication of the fact that this audiobook is a must-have!

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Beverly

Bronx, NY, United States

13/04/11

Overall

"Oh, those fateful memoirs"

This is the next chapter, so to speak, in the saga of the Hon. Gallahad's memoirs and follows SUMMER LIGHTNING. It is a wonderful romp, in true Wodehouse fashion. One I know I will be listening to again and again.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

07/06/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Produced with good sound"

Martin Jarvis is the best Wodehouse reader for Audible. I really enjoyed it and the production. It is read and produced with pleasant continuity.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

leela

20/04/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Exciting but relaxing!"

The narrator did a great job of bringing the characters to life. I will certainly read it again!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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